The Philodendron verrucosum Incensi is known for its distinctive appearance. Its large, heart-shaped leaves feature a velvety texture, with deep green hues and prominent lighter green veins. A striking characteristic is the reddish or bronze underside. Additionally, the plant displays unique fuzzy petioles, the stalks connecting the leaf to the stem.
Caring for Philodendron Verrucosum Incensi
Light Needs
Philodendron verrucosum Incensi thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat where it grows beneath a tree canopy. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a west-facing window, provides optimal light. Insufficient light leads to stunted growth or leggy stems. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture without overwatering is crucial for Philodendron verrucosum Incensi. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering again. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then discard any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. Watering frequency varies based on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, but typically ranges from once to twice a week during warmer months.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity is essential for Philodendron verrucosum Incensi, which thrives in tropical rainforests. It prefers humidity levels between 60% and 80%, though it can tolerate a minimum of 60%. To achieve this, use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or group it with other plants. Misting offers temporary relief but is not a substitute for consistent high humidity.
The plant requires stable, warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F). Temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can damage leaves and slow growth. Avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress the plant.
Soil and Potting
Philodendron verrucosum Incensi requires a well-draining, airy potting mix that mimics its epiphytic nature, where roots need access to oxygen. A standard aroid mix includes coco coir, orchid bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss or peat moss. This chunky composition prevents the soil from becoming compacted, ensuring proper aeration and drainage around the roots to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Philodendron verrucosum Incensi benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every two to four weeks. An aroid-specific fertilizer can also be beneficial. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn, appearing as yellowing leaves or brown leaf tips.
Propagating Philodendron Verrucosum Incensi
Propagating Philodendron verrucosum Incensi is done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node and one or two leaves. Using clean, sharp snips, cut below the chosen node. The node is where new roots and growth emerge.
Once prepared, the cutting can be rooted in water or moist sphagnum moss. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline. Change water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically form within weeks.
Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted in moist sphagnum moss or a light, well-aerated potting mix. Plant the node into the chosen medium, keeping it consistently moist but not saturated. Placing the cutting in a high-humidity environment, such as a propagation box or under a plastic dome, aids root development. Once a robust root system develops, the new plant can be transitioned into a permanent potting mix.
Repotting Your Philodendron Verrucosum Incensi
Repotting Philodendron verrucosum Incensi is necessary every one to two years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes, stunted growth, or the plant appearing too large for its current container. Repotting provides fresh nutrients and more space for the root system to expand.
When repotting, choose a new pot only one size larger than the current one, ensuring drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, minimizing disturbance to the root ball. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining aroid mix at the bottom, center the plant, and fill around the roots with more mix.
After repotting, water thoroughly to help the new soil settle around the roots. Allow the plant to adjust before resuming regular fertilization. Avoid repotting immediately after purchasing, allowing at least two weeks to acclimatize.
Solving Common Problems
Philodendron verrucosum Incensi can exhibit specific issues that indicate environmental stress or care imbalances. Yellowing leaves often point to overwatering, where soggy soil deprives roots of oxygen. If soil is consistently wet, reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage. Yellowing can also signal insufficient light or a nutrient deficiency, so assess light exposure and recent fertilization.
Browning leaf tips or edges are a common sign of low humidity, a frequent indoor challenge. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers, pebble trays, or grouping plants can alleviate this. Other causes include too much direct sunlight, inconsistent watering, over-fertilization, or mineral salt buildup.
Stunted growth, characterized by smaller new leaves or lack of vigor, can stem from several factors. Inadequate light is a primary culprit, as the plant needs sufficient bright, indirect light for photosynthesis. Root congestion, where the plant has outgrown its pot, can restrict growth, necessitating repotting. Nutrient deficiencies or temperatures outside the plant’s preferred warm range will also impede development.
This plant can be susceptible to common houseplant pests, with spider mites being a frequent concern due to their preference for dry air. Mealybugs and scale insects may appear on the undersides of leaves or in leaf axils. Inspect your plant regularly for these pests, and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage. Maintaining proper humidity and good airflow can help deter some pests.